SAN JOSE, Calif. (KRON) — Tensions are escalating in San Jose as union workers at Good Samaritan Hospital continue their negotiations with the hospital’s parent company, now entering their fourth month.
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The ongoing contract talks have seen healthcare workers rallying to demand higher pay, which they argue is necessary to retain staff and ensure quality patient care. The union’s previous contract expired on July 1, and the workers are determined to secure better terms.
“The longest running dietician in their group has been here a year because it has had such turnover,” said Bonnie Eden, a respiratory therapist and union bargaining team member at Good Samaritan Hospital. “It’s at a breaking point. Something has to give because someone’s going to get hurt.”
Occupational therapist Michael Wong expressed concerns about patient care, stating, “We’re just tired of upper management telling us how to do our jobs, how many patients are safe.”
Photo: KRON4.
A large crowd of healthcare workers from various departments gathered outside Good Samaritan Hospital on Thursday to rally in support of their demands. They chanted slogans emphasizing their seriousness about the negotiations.
The union has been vocal about the need for higher pay to address what they describe as a rapidly decreasing staff. They argue that competitive salaries are essential to prevent turnover and maintain a stable workforce.
In response, a spokesperson for Good Samaritan Hospital stated, “We look forward to continue engaging in open, productive discussions with the union to foster an environment where our employees can provide the excellent service they are known for.”
The next round of negotiations is scheduled for next Monday and Tuesday, with the union warning that a strike could occur if an agreement is not reached.
All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by KRON4. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by KRON4 staff before being published.
Source:: News San Francisco – KRON 4
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